This site contains tobacco images. Please leave now if you are under 18

The History of the Name "Glen"

The term “Glen” is a Scottish Gaelic word meaning “valley”. A lot of Scottish distilleries are located in glens, where the rivers or streams run. The access to fresh water is crucial for whisky production, as it’s used in mashing, fermentation, and dilution processes. In return for the use of its water, Scottish distilleries will name themselves after those glens. For example - Glenfiddich means “Valley of the Deer”, Glenlivet means “Valley of the Livet (a river)” and Glenmorangie means “Valley of Tranquility”.

Including “Glen” in the name has become a tradition and a marker of authenticity for Scotch whisky, in particular the Speyside and Highlands regions. It also signals a connection to the land and natural resources, reinforcing the heritage and artisanal qualities of the whisky.

Historically, using “Glen” in a whisky’s name helped associate the product with the renowned whisky-producing regions of Scotland. It has become a recognisable branding choice for consumers, suggesting high-quality Scotch whisky, even though not all whiskies with “Glen” are necessarily from Scotland.

So in future when you see “Glen” at the start of a bottle of spirit, it is a tribute to the river that is supplying the distillery with its water supply.

Click here to view our range of Scotch Whisky

Written by Oliver Partington
 

Trustpilot